The goals of the showcase are to celebrate student research and capstone projects and provide students with an opportunity to gain professional presentation skills, and network with those who connect with them.

Any junior or senior who is completing a capstone, research, or thesis this academic year is invited to prepare a poster and accompanying written abstract summary.

Students who are not juniors or seniors but are collaborating on a group research or capstone project, or are registered for their own capstone course are also welcome to participate.

Student researchers will:

• Develop a poster presenting your work (digital and printed versions)
• Develop a written abstract with your Faculty Research Supervisor which summarizes your project (digital and printed versions)
• Attend and present your work in-person during the Research Showcase

How to register:

To register for inclusion in this event, submit information about your research and poster through this form by Thursday, March 23rd, at 4:30 pm.

Your submission will automatically be sent to Julie Winter, Student Career Advisor who is organizing the event, and the Faculty Research Supervisor who is overseeing and approving your final poster and written abstract.

If you have questions about how to complete the form, please contact Julie Winter at jwinter@northland.edu.

We’re sorry but the deadline for registration has passed.

What to send in:

Students must submit final digital versions of the required documents listed below on or before Monday, April 10th, at 4:30 pm. Failure to submit on time will result in exclusion from presenting.

Your materials must be reviewed and approved by your Faculty Research Supervisor before submitting.

• A JPG version of your professional poster with minimum dimensions of 1600 x 1000 (for the website)
• A PowerPoint version of your professional poster in a horizontal layout 48″ wide by 36″ tall – (for printing).
• A Microsoft Word Document of your written abstract that concisely summarizes your research work and includes your Final Poster Title and your name. (200 – 250 words in length).

If your Faculty Research Supervisor is unable to review and edit, Library Director Julia Waggoner is available to assist, but you must schedule a meeting with her in advance of the submission deadline to receive help. Julia can be reached at: Jwaggoner@northland.edu to set up a meeting.

Finished file format:

Students will save and submit two different versions of their poster. One will be printed on your behalf, and the other is displayed on the website.

Participants are asked to develop posters in PowerPoint, using a horizontal layout, which meets the following requirements.

• JPG file size: 1600 x 1000 pixels (for website)
• PPT file layout: 48 inches wide by 36 inches tall. (for printing)

This year, students will submit their final digital posters to be printed by Professor, Cyndi May, rather than students printing themselves. Please note, your poster will only be printed if it’s formatted correctly. To ensure your file is acceptable, consider emailing the PPT version of your poster to her ahead of the final submission deadline (Monday, April 10th at 4:30 pm) to verify.

Students are also encouraged to utilize Cyndi’s drop-in hours for help:

Thursday, April 6th, 2023 (1 – 4 pm) – Office 138 CSE.
Contact Cyndi directly prior to this date if your availability does not align with these drop-in hours

This is how your poster will be viewed. Click the image to expand the view.

Abstracts should be between 200-250 words. They should be saved as a separate Microsoft Word document, and are not included on the poster. Your faculty research supervisor must review your abstract before you submit it.

Although abstracts vary somewhat by discipline, all abstracts are a succinct summary of a completed work or work in progress. An abstract condenses a larger piece of writing (a thesis, research project, performance, etc.), highlighting its major points and concisely describing the content and scope of the project. For purposes of the Research Showcase, you will need to produce an informative abstract. Your abstract should include the following elements:

• Rationale

  Why should the reader care about the problem/issue you’ve chosen to explore? This section should focus on the importance of your work and the potential impact it might have if successful.

• Problem statement/purpose

  What problem are you trying to solve? What issue did you set out to explore? What do you hope to learn from it?

• Methodology

  How did you go about solving or making progress on the problem? What method did you use to explore you problem (sampling, experimentation, trial and error)? If you did not do a research project, make note here of any theoretical framework or methodological assumptions that underlie what you did.  If in the arts, this section should outline the media and process you used to develop your project.

• Results/findings

  What did you discover/uncover during your research? Your explanation of the significance of your results (completed, unexpected, negative, and partial) is more important than the results themselves. If your research is not completed, this section should list the expected results or outcomes.

• Conclusions/implications

  What are the implications of your findings? How does your work contribute to your field of study?  Are there implications for future work in this area?

Review your work:

• Is it complete—covering all the major parts of the project?
• Is it cohesive—flowing smoothly from start to finish?
• Is it concise—containing no unnecessary words or information?
• Is it clear—remaining readable for all your audiences, even in its abbreviated form?
• Is it correct—grammatically? Visually?

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMALL MAMMAL SPECIES DIVERSITY AND WOODLAND JUMPING MICE

Allison M. DeRose, Emily K. Heald, and Dr. Paula S. Anich

Northland College

April 4, 2013

Abstract:  The Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) is an old-growth boreal rodent species.  Woodland Jumping Mice play an important role in forest ecosystems because they disperse the spores of fungi that are only found on coniferous tree species.  The distribution of this species in Wisconsin and its interactions with other small mammal species are not well understood.  Prior to 2011, the Woodland Jumping Mouse was represented statewide only by 48 museum specimens.  Due to its perceived rarity, the Woodland Jumping Mouse has been listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This study analyzes the influence of other small mammal species on the presence of Woodland Jumping Mice.  Over a period of 3 months in the summer of 2012, (6,600 trap-nights) we set Sherman-live traps in 14 different sites in Ashland, Bayfield, Price, and Sawyer counties within the Chequamegon National Forest.  We targeted late-succession spruce-fir and hemlock sites in order to locate populations of Woodland Jumping Mice.  We captured 7 definitive Woodland Jumping Mice, one of which was a recapture.  In addition to the target species, we captured 593 animals of 10 species.  We sexed and measured standard morphometrics (mass, total body length, ear length, tail length, hind foot length) for each animal trapped.  We looked for statistically significant relationships between the presence of Woodland Jumping Mice and small mammal species diversity using the program R.  We discovered that Woodland Jumping Mice are associated with sites that have high small mammalian species diversity.  This relationship suggests that the presence of Woodland Jumping Mice at a particular site is an indication of pristine, unfragmented wildlife habitat.

You can see examples of past abstracts on the Honors Day page.

• Video of how to make an academic poster in PowerPoint (Keep in mind, you will need to save your version twice; once as a PPT, and again as a JPEG – rather than a PDF as she suggests)
• You can also download this power point template.
• See the “Example Poster” above. You may also view posters from previous years for more examples (coming soon).

Additional resources to help you write an abstract are available at Dexter Library.

LB 2369 .R87 2006

How to write a successful science thesis: the concise guide for students /  by William E. Russey, Hans F. Ebel, Claus Bliefert.

Q 180.55 .M4 B66 1995

The craft of research / by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams.

Title: Status and assessment of precision in the census of rare Arctic-Alpine plants in Isle Royale National Park
Student: Bridget Thornburg
Other Collaborators: Sarah E. Johnson – Associate Professor of Natural Resources, Lynette R. Potvin – National Park Service
Faculty Advisor: Sarah Johnson

Poster

Abstract
Status and assessment of precision in the census of rare Arctic-Alpine plants in Isle Royale National Park
Bridget R. Thornburg¹, Lynette R. Potvin², Sarah E. Johnson^1,3
1. Northland College, Ashland, WI
2. Isle Royale National Park
3. Project Principal Investigator

Isle Royale National Park has a high concentration of rare plants at the southern edge of their range and species with disjunct populations from the Arctic or alpine regions. This study examined 28-year trends in population structure (number of genets, ramets, and reproductive stems) of Pinguicula vulgaris, Saxifraga tricuspidata, and Saxifraga paniculata, and changes in ocular cover of Vaccinium uliginosum. We focused on seven sites surveyed at six time points. Trends in census counts from 1993 to 2021 reflect dynamic populations and no concerning declines. We considered that census counts in plant population monitoring can be subject to imprecision, so we conducted double-counts of up to seven subsamples. We calculated imprecision with the coefficient of variation and absolute difference between double counts. Despite being easy to detect, Pinguicula vulgaris had the greatest coefficient of variation of 25.4% in the number of ramets counted between observers, and the second greatest mean absolute difference of 75.7 ramets between observers. Both Saxifraga tricuspidata and S. paniculata had similar coefficients of variation in all metrics at 9.1% and 5.3% for ramets, 16.2% and 13.1% for genets, and 4.9% and 5.6% for reproductive stems respectively. Observer error for these species is similarly relatively low despite numerous ramets in some genets of S. tricuspidata. Sustained monitoring of these range-edge species could serve as early indicators of climate change impacts and other drivers of change to the dynamic coastal habitats of Lake Superior. Accounting for imprecision among different observers can help managers make more informed conservation decisions.

Title: Reusable polymers for selective separation of metals from aqueous solutions
Students: Mary Johnson, Lucas Lazorik, Maren Peterson, Rachel Fine, Wyatt Isakson
Faculty Advisor: Nick Robertson

Poster

Abstract
Reusable polymers for selective separation of metals from aqueous solutions
Mary Johnson, Lucas Lazorik, Maren Peterson, Rachel Fine, and Wyatt Isakson

Hydrometallurgy is a technique for separating metals from aqueous solutions. It is used for mining, recycling electronics and batteries, and removing pollutants from contaminated water. Separating metals is a difficult task, and current methods for separation lack the selectivity for efficient metal recycling. In pursuit of better recycling techniques, we are working on developing a series of polymers that can selectively absorb metals from aqueous solutions. Manipulating the structures of the polymers can allow us to pull specific metals out of the aqueous solutions while leaving others behind. If we can achieve good selectivity for one metal, our polymers could find applications in recycling. Additionally, our polymers can pull heavy metals, specifically copper, cobalt, and nickel, from aqueous solutions, demonstrating a visible color change once the metals are absorbed. Polymers that exhibit a color change could be used to detect heavy metals in contaminated water. Notably, our polymers are pH-dependent, meaning the same polymer can be reused multiple times. Future work will include changing the structures of our polymers to achieve better selectivity, hopefully providing an efficient method for metal separation.

Title: Farm Table Politics: Practicing Emergent Strategy in Rural Women’s Spaces
Student: Kathryn Simpson
Faculty Advisor: Erica Hannickel

Poster

Abstract
Farm Table Politics: Practicing Emergent Strategy in Rural Women’s Spaces
Kathryn Simpson

While academic fields have paid some attention to the histories of kitchens and kitchen table politics, none have narrowed their foci to the political organizing around farm tables as a practice ground for radical social justice. Kitchens and kitchen tables have often been analyzed as complex locations where white, nuclear families reproduce heteropatriarchy as well as white supremacy. However, by utilizing Adrienne Maree Brown’s theory of emergent strategy to analyze Black feminist writings about kitchen tables as both healing and politicizing spaces, I argue for the potential to practice social justice and liberation at the intimate space of a kitchen table. By drawing connections between the grassroots activism of Black feminists and agrarian women during the 1950s through the 1970s, I highlight the importance of women-centered, intimate spaces as foundational to political work that was both decentralized and cooperative, ultimately embodying aspects of emergent strategy. Looking into the future and noting the radical political work being done by Black farmers, I argue that farm tables may have a significant role to play today in supporting movements for social justice within rural American communities

Title: “Long on Backbone and Grit, But Short on Cash”: An Analysis of Sustainability and Collegiate Governance during Three Eras at Northland College
Student: Carson Becicka
Faculty Advisor: Erica Hannickel

Poster

Abstract
“Long on Backbone and Grit, But Short on Cash”: An Analysis of Sustainability and Collegiate Governance during Three Eras at Northland College
Carson Becicka

The history of Northland College is rich in sustainable ethos and practice. Sustainability—action that seeks to address the short and long-term needs of a community while paying special attention to the relationship between environment, economics, and/or equity—has long been practiced in this space of higher education. It’s seen in the College’s founding values; collaboration with local farms during the Great Depression; creation of an environmental institute in the 1970s; and modern-day developments such as a vibrant sustainability curriculum and sustainable food and water centers. Crucial to many of these developments have been the roles played by various governance bodies, such as Northland’s Board of Trustees, administration, and Faculty Senate/Council. Yet, perhaps surprisingly, underlying some of Northland’s most significant sustainability developments have been bald efforts to make the school economically viable. This paper focuses on this connection between sustainability initiatives and economic viability as expressed by collegiate governance during three periods at Northland College: a Time of Resourcefulness (1920-1940), the Environmental Transition Era (1970-1981), and Northland’s Contemporary Moment (2000-2020). It shows that during these three eras, economic viability has largely motivated Northland’s development of sustainable ideas and practices. Being the first of its kind to comprehensively examine sustainability and collegiate governance over Northland’s history (1892-2021), this paper offers a new lens through which we may see how and why Northland has been sustainable.

Title: Pandemics and Rural America: Discrepancies and Hardships for Non-Urban Areas During the Spanish Influenza and Covid-19
Student: Sydney Cristiano
Faculty Advisor: Erica Hannickel

Poster

Abstract
Pandemics and Rural America: Discrepancies and Hardships for Non-Urban Areas During the Spanish Influenza and Covid-19
Sydney Cristiano

This project analyzes the different ways in which pandemics affect the dynamics of rural communities, economies, and cultural traditions in the United States of America. Rural communities live upon a majority of the land mass within the U.S.; this land is responsible for hosting the bulk of U.S environmental resources and natural industries. Members of rural communities are a large portion of the caretakers of this land and ought to be researched and protected to the same degree as any other. Yet the degree to which rural communities affect American society and history have been largely overlooked. This is true when studying pandemics, like the early 1920s Spanish Flu and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic. While these pandemics occurred everywhere, many scholars’ focus has been on America’s ever-growing urban centers. Because these urban centers are more densely populated and subject to growth, health concerns also become more of a priority in those sectors. By examining America’s past and current pandemics in rural America, a better understanding of the unique dimensions of rural life can be formulated. This creates a more encompassing appreciation and knowledge of rurality, the vital roles those communities play in American society, and the distinctive effects of national health disasters on America in its entirety.

Title: American, French, Russian Revolutions: Examining Western Revolutionary Gender Roles
Student: Cooper Tamke
Faculty Advisor: Erica Hannickel

Poster

Abstract
American, French, Russian Revolutions: Examining Western Revolutionary Gender Roles
Cooper Tamke

When discussing revolutions such as the American, French, and Russian Revolutions, men and women had often very different roles to play but also exhibited crossover. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Robespierre, Marquis de Lafeyette, Vladimir Lenin, and Joseph Stalin are all men who had an important role to play in their revolutions—mostly in leadership roles but also in defining what their revolution was out to change. However, there were plenty of women who took part in these revolutions. Where did they come in? In the American Revolution, countless women followed the Colonial army and acted as nurses, seamstresses, or to carry water in heat of battle. There are also multiple examples of women picking up the fight as well, such as Margaret Corbin, who loaded and shot a cannon with her husband. Women also lead the March on Versailles, which was started by a mob of women fed up with bread prices and took it up with the King and Royal family themselves. When Marquis de Lafeyette wrote the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens, a woman by the name of Olympe de Gouges rewrote it but replaced the word “men” with “women.” When it comes to post- revolutionary periods, Russia was the best at giving women more opportunities and rights and maintaining their status, while in general men still fared better in all three revolutions and often continued in leadership roles.

Title: Trends in Abundance and Occurrence of Medium-Large Mammals of Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Student: Josh Kolasch
Faculty Advisor: Erik Olson

Poster

Abstract
Trends in Abundance and Occurrence of Medium-Large Mammals of Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Josh Kolasch

Tropical rainforest are biologically intense ecosystems that are crucial for global conservation efforts. Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica, is a biodiversity hotspot that acts as an important ecological area within the overall region. A monitoring effort was established in the park in 2015 to monitor trends in wildlife diversity and abundance within the park, with a focus on medium-large mammals. Remote camera traps were installed across the park from 2015-2020, with between 13-21 stations each year. Image events were classified by a 30 min time-period within the first captured image of that same species. The abundance (μRAI) and occurrence (FOC) of each species was calculated for each year of the study. We detected and monitored 20 mammalian species from 2015-2020, with a combined total of 8442 trap nights. Abundance trends show that most species are increasing in abundance or remaining stable, with uncertainty for one species (Leopardus pardalis). The trends for occurrence were stable to increasing, with no decreasing trends. Focal species of the monitoring effort had differing abundance trends, with Panthera onca being stable, Tayassu pecari being decreasing/increasing due to natural population fluctuation, and Tapirus bairdii having a potential decreasing trend due to reasons not related with abundance. Corcovado is a critical ecological region that can dictate the health of wildlife populations in and outside the park. Our results indicate that the observed mammal species are stable to increasing.

Title: Spatial and Temporal Overlap in Pumas, Prey, and Competitors from Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica: 2015 – 2020
Student: Gordon Scott
Faculty Advisor: Erik Olson

Poster

Abstract
Spatial and Temporal Overlap in Pumas, Prey, and Competitors from Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica: 2015 – 2020
Gordon S. Scott¹, Erik R. Olson¹, Alejandro Azofeifa², Danny Herrera², Guido Saborío-R²
1. Department of Natural Resources: Northland College, 1411 Ellis Ave S., Ashland WI 54806
2. Área de Conservación Osa, Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación

Mammals interact through space and time from which predator-prey dynamics can be evaluated. A mix of predator selection and prey avoidance, among other factors, modulate spatiotemporal activity patterns across species. Evaluating how predator-prey and predator-predator dynamics across mammal species influences spatial and temporal land use is an important step in understanding how the top levels of a trophic web interact. Mesoamerican medium-large herbivores experience predation primarily by a guild comprising five felids of various body sizes. A particular felid of interest is the puma (Puma concolor) as it inhabits a unique niche between the jaguar (Panthera onca) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). Here, using camera trap data collected from 2015 to 2020 in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica, we evaluate overlap in spatial and temporal activity patterns between pumas, their prey, and two felid guild competitors. We found that the largest temporal overlap (Δ4 = 0.84) occurred between puma and jaguar, while the largest spatial overlap (SB/ST = 0.68) occurred between puma and collared peccary. Cathemeral behavior in jaguars and pumas suggests a lack of persecution for these species in the park. Temporal overlap between the puma and jaguar is likely due to them both being cathemeral predators and suggests potential competition between the species as they do not appear to avoid each other spatially (SB/ST=0.52). Spatial overlap between pumas and collared peccaries is indicative of a predator-prey relationship as they do not significantly avoid each other temporally (Δ4 = 0.84).

Title: Horney’s Tripartite Neurotic Trends in Relation to Specific Traumatic Experiences​
Student: Alivia Heller
Faculty Advisor: Danielle Sneyd

Poster

Abstract
Horney’s Tripartite Neurotic Trends in Relation to Specific Traumatic Experiences​
Alivia Heller

The current study addressed Horney’s neurotic trends in relation to traumatic life experiences such as car accidents, assault, and/or sudden death or injury. Horney’s theory posits that children would develop “neurotic trends” or coping mechanisms to these traumas that would continue throughout adulthood. The neurotic trends included: (1) moving toward (compliant type), (2) against (aggressive type), or (3) away (detached type) from people. The current study aimed to investigate if a singular type of trauma or lived experience prompts a person to (1) move towards, (2) away, or (3) against people. Acknowledging that we are all complex in our decisions and behaviors, if we can conclude that a singular traumatic event is responsible for numerous people performing the actions of a singular neurotic tendency, then we can also provide revolutionized services to aid that persons’ healing and coping mechanisms for that particular incident. Eighty-one participants were recruited to complete an online survey in which the majority, 69%, scored as the compliant type (moving towards), 19.8% as the detached type (moving away), and 11.1% as the aggressive type (moving away). There was no significant difference between what the participants listed as their most traumatic experience and the neurotic trend’s category they scored high in; however, there was a significant difference between gender and neuroticism with males scoring significantly lower than all other genders.

Title: The Effects of Multidimensional Perfectionism on Self-Esteem in Athletics
Student: Jenna Reyes
Faculty Advisor: Danielle Sneydv

Poster

Abstract
The Effects of Multidimensional Perfectionism on Self-Esteem in Athletics
Jenna Reyes

The current study examines both how perfectionism affects self-esteem in athletics and how perfectionism affects self-esteem as a whole. Past research suggests there is a direct relationship between perfectionism and self-esteem (Ashby et al., 2015). There are positive and negative characteristics of perfectionism, with the negative characteristics causing changes to levels of self-esteem and mood (2015). Many aspects of competitive athletics will include characteristics and situations that cause multidimensional perfectionism. Since multidimensional perfectionism is defined as one setting unrealistic or impossible goals for oneself these goals may impact their self-worth. Positive characteristics of perfectionism can lead to higher achievement in athletes, but when the achievements are not met, these “failures” can be emotionally destructive to said athletes (Sterling & Kerr 2006). The current study recruited 106 students through an online survey where they completed a multidimensional perfectionism scale and self-esteem scale. General findings suggest that self-esteem among the current sample was high; with no significant differences between athletes and non-athletes. Yet, some aspects of perfectionism were negatively correlated with self-esteem overall such that as levels of perfectionism increased, self-esteem decreased. Results suggest the factors in multidimensional perfectionism that negatively correlated with self-esteem were parental criticism, doubt in actions and concern for mistakes.

Title: “Life is a Greater Teacher”: Factors that Lead to College Withdrawal
Student: Aja Gregg
Faculty Advisor: Angela Stroud

Poster

Abstract
“Life is a Greater Teacher”: Factors that Lead to College Withdrawal
Aja Gregg

In the United States, the overall dropout rate for undergraduate college students is 40% (Hanson, 2021). The goal of the current study was to hear the stories of college dropouts and see how mental health and finances hindered their persistence through undergraduate studies. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed by using thematic content analysis using excel spreadsheets to document and compare each interviewee’s answer to every interview question. During the interview process participants open up about their struggles with mental health during high school, in college, and after withdrawing to give readers a better understanding of what led to their withdrawal. Findings in this study show that family instability, drug use, and mental health all contribute to students’ withdrawal from undergraduate studies.

Title: “A Building Without Walls:” How Public Libraries Enrich Communities
Student: Coriander Dehlin
Faculty Advisor: Angela Stroud

Poster

Abstract
“A Building Without Walls:” How Public Libraries Enrich Communities
Coriander Dehlin

Recently, questions have emerged as to whether or not public libraries are needed in their communities. With the rise of technology and access to information and materials once only found in libraries at our fingertips, what then, is the role of public libraries today? This research reviews the literature on this question before taking a deep dive into a specific public library in a small Midwestern town. Previous research suggests that the libraries continue to play important roles in communities. Interviews with librarians supplement existing research and examine how they view the importance of libraries. Three primary findings emerged that how libraries serve as: resources for the people, by the people, 2) as buildings without walls in the way that libraries expand their work into the community, and 3) as spaces that offer humanitarian services to the community. Thus, I argue that the role of the public library today is that of a building without walls in the way that libraries create community through meeting people’s needs, interests, and strengths, and in response, providing the programs and opportunities that enrich the community as a whole. The findings suggest that public libraries expand beyond simply being a collection of books and continue to be valuable to the communities that they serve.

Title: “It Comes at a Cost” : Burnout in the Field of Social Work
Student: Karadyn Kiviaho
Faculty Advisor: Angela Stroud

Poster

Abstract
“It Comes at a Cost” : Burnout in the Field of Social Work
Karadyn Kiviaho

The experience of burnout is prominent in the field of social work, presenting itself in different ways, such as empathy fatigue, depersonalization, lack of motivation and career enjoyment, low energy and high stress levels, and poor physical or mental health. The factors that contribute to these forms of burnout in social workers have not been fully realized, mainly because previous research has been largely focused on quantifying and measuring the amount of burnout social workers experience, rather than finding its root causes and implications. To gain a better understanding of burnout in the field of social work I collected data qualitatively by interviewing four social workers. This allowed their stories and experiences to be heard and analyzed, resulting in a fuller explanation for the prevalence of burnout in the field. This new form of data collection revealed much about burnout’s impact on social workers. The main findings were: (1) How burnout is tied to a social worker’s abilities to help, (2) How burnout correlates with workload and turnover, (3) How the pandemic has impacted the field of social work, and (4) Strategies social workers use to prevent burnout. These are significant findings because they expand on existing knowledges about burnout, thus filling gaps within the literature. This study contributes valuable insight into what improvements can be made in the field of social work when it comes to burnout, as well as ways it can be prevented.

Title: Oregon Land Use Planning Analysis
Student: Alaina Kuhlman
Faculty Advisor: Brian Tochterman

Poster

Abstract
Oregon Land Use Planning Analysis
Alaina Kuhlman

Land use planning is the process of regulating the use of land by a central authority. States across the country impose varying amounts of regulations on land development. Oregon is one state that uses a top-down system stemming from the state level. This makes it unique because each local government is required to implement a comprehensive plan that adheres to Oregon’s state-wide planning goals. While this system is good for cohesiveness, it has downsides such as the outdated goals which need to be modernized in order to fit the way that Oregon is today. It is important for us to understand why this system works well for Oregon, and in what ways it doesn’t work for them as other state and local governments can learn many valuable lessons from this system. For this capstone project I have analyzed this planning system and provided recommendations to enhance the system to work to its fullest potential. This includes the encouragement of the addition of a climate justice and equity related goal and the utilization of regional planning as a solution to tie the plans of local governments together.

Title: It’s the End of Science Fiction As We Know It: Transgender Consciousness, Hope, and Hybridity in Science Fantasy
Student: Alex Stenseng
Faculty Advisor: Erica Hannickel

Poster

Abstract
It’s the End of Science Fiction As We Know It: Transgender Consciousness, Hope, and Hybridity in Science Fantasy
Alex Stenseng

Science fantasy is a combination of science fiction and fantasy literature that includes elements of both, most importantly the contranatural element of fantasy and the aesthetic and ideological context of science fiction. Science fantasy is a hybrid genre with special significance for theorizing a trans and liminal position in genre fiction because it reflects the dual and intersecting action of gender as presented in science fiction and fantasy fiction. This project utilizes queer ecological awareness, connecting worlds created in the imagination to those created in the “real” world, and is critical of “natural” narratives on the principle that fiction necessarily reflects and reifies perceived reality. The hybridity and shapeshifting natures of science fantasy creates fantastical opportunities for expansive imagination of new gender roles, sexes, and gender presentations. It gives hope to communities and people depleted by the lack of representation and the dominance of dystopian near- and far-future science fiction, fantasy, and science fantasy that does not meaningfully critique construction of future-telling. Ultimately, this project explains the necessity of hope in fiction in creating positive outcomes for transgender and non-binary communities.